The growth in e-commerce has directly affected packaging formats and supply chain models .
In light of all these challenges , many contract packagers are reassessing the role of their product inspection technology , looking to find efficient flexibility from within this critical area of their packaging lines . The solutions are present in a number of different ways :
Product changeovers – Contract packers need to switch between jobs more frequently . Every minute lost in downtime during a changeover is a cost , but modern product inspection systems are noted for their ease of transition between job types , often via tool-less processes that can be set in motion with the press of a button . Hundreds of product set-ups and their parameters can be pre-programmed and stored with data automatically accessible in the event of a product safety audit or recall . Indeed , similar product set-ups can be clustered , avoiding the need for any changeovers , thereby maximising line availability .
Ease of machine use and learning through software – The latest product inspection systems have the ability to analyse the composition of a pack , automatically select the best hardware and software settings and create an optimised product menu for that job . This auto set-up routine combined with a well-designed touchscreen user interface , which naturally guides users step-by-step through all operations , increases speed of setup / adjustment , decreases the amount of training required and also reduces the frequency of possible operator errors .
Reduced testing frequency – Foreign body inspection equipment such as metal detection systems , need to be regularly manually checked to ensure that the detection levels are being achieved . However , regularly stopping
production to test has a negative effect on Overall Equipment Effectiveness ( OEE ). Some modern metal detection systems can continuously monitor the detection performance and provide an early warning should sensitivity drift . This self-monitoring means the testing frequency can be reduced , in turn increasing the line availability .
Faster production line speeds – Every manufacturer wants to produce quickly . As such , product inspection manufacturers have responded by creating product inspection machines which can inspect and reject at throughputs in excess of 800ppm , depending upon application . These can now keep pace with systems such as quick labelling applicators . Such speed increases have been achieved without compromising the quality of inspection and the level of compliance with emerging product safety legislation .
For more information : E : niall . mcrory @ mt . com Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection www . mt . com / pi-pr
Mettler-Toledo is proud to be a member of the European Co- Packers Association ( ECPA ). The company fully understand the key role that co-packers have in the supply chain and , as such , is developing educational content including webinars . The expert advice is positioned to help copackers improve product safety , protect their brand , comply with legislation , reduce product recalls and prepare for digitalisation .
As part of its Product Inspection Open House ( 6th and 7th October ), Mettler-Toledo will present a free
online seminar entitled How Product Inspection Innovations Improve Food Safety and Automate Quality Processes for Co-Packers on the 6th October at 8am and 2pm ( BST ). To register
www . mt . com / pi-copackers . For more information about the Open House visit :
www . mt . com / pi-open-house-2021
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